British-born SJae (also known as Sammy Jay) was the UK’s first female music producer who has been hailed in the US as ‘the best in the business’ by many of her peers including some of the world’s biggest music stars and producers. 

Please list all of your projects's members:

Samantha J. Powell

For starters, what artists/groups were you a part of prior to SJae? How long has your project been around?

I previously produced under the name Sammy Jay and have been making music as a songwriter and producer for many years now.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Pronounced ‘Ess-Jay;, my first two initials

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I primarily write and produce my songs. But on certain records I featured artists who have also co-written those song with me. I like to mostly make music that is beautiful and either makes people feel really good, or encourages them to open their heart and take a look inside at what’s ticking in there! If I can inspire authentic emotion in people through a song, then job done! I used to write a lot of really dark and disgruntled songs about betrayal and heartbreak, but these days I’m hoping I’ve grown up a lot and and can tap into a lot more subject matter!

What bands/artists are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

I have a really eclectic taste in music, everything from Sheryl Crow to Janet Jackson. I really love what H.E.R. is doing right now and Anderson Paak. Influences on this current EP are 80s synth pop, UK Garage and even a bit of classical piano. I was classically trained at age 4, and piano is my go to instrument, so the song always starts there.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

I love that Pharell Williams is known for being both a producer and artist in equal parts. That’s something I aspire to. I’ve created music for a living my whole life, since the age of 16, so I’m fortunate enough to live in this world of being inspired to create different projects in different chapters of my life. I’d say though, growing up Michael and Janet Jackson were definitely influences, along with keyboardists such as Greg Phillinganes and Bruce Horsnby. I’m a bit of a nerd!

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

Sleep! Lots of sleep! Lots of water and apple cider vinegar and plenty of vocal warm ups.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

There’s been a few. Vocal producing Rod Stewart was definitely a highlight! Also, working with Raphael Saadiq has been awesome. He features on my EP, but also brought me in to help in score a movie for Netflix, called ‘After Party’. Having songs placed on tv shows is always a rush, seeing your music fit to a scene, and aiding with the context or message of a film maker’s vision is always really cool to me.

If you could tour with any bands/artists, past or present, who would they be and why?

Pharell, Anderson Paak, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, anyone who is eclectic and soulful! I think back in the day, it would’ve been cool to tour with The Police, or Cyndi Lauper.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

EP is out in March, reach out to me on Instagram and say hi!